SOWORE’S N1.2BN ARREST AND DETENTION CASE AGAINST IGP, AGF POSTPONED TO MARCH 10
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of a N1.2 billion civil rights suit filed by former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to March 10, 2026.
The adjournment followed the absence of the 1st to 4th defendants—the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun; the Nigeria Police Force (NPF); the FCT Commissioner of Police; and the AGF—who neither appeared in court nor provided legal representation, despite being served with prior hearing notices.
Justice Umar ordered that fresh hearing notices be served to the defendants to prevent further delays and warned that the matter would proceed for definite hearing on the new date.
Abubakar Marshall represented Sowore, who was present in court along with a group of supporters.
Sowore filed the suit in 2025 following his arrest and detention on October 23, 2025, during his involvement in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. He contends that his arrest and subsequent arraignment on October 24, 2025, violated his constitutional rights to freedom of movement and dignity, describing the actions as illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.
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The suit is grounded on sections 34, 35, 37, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution and seeks:
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A declaration that his arrest and detention were unlawful.
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N200 million in general damages for the violation of his rights.
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N1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages for his illegal arrest, detention, and arraignment.
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An order requiring the IGP, NPF, and FCT Police Commissioner to issue a public apology in at least three national newspapers.
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Direction for the AGF to initiate disciplinary action against the IGP and FCT Police Commissioner under the Anti-Torture Act 2017 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
Sowore’s legal team maintains that the suit is a response to what he describes as a blatant infringement on his fundamental human rights while engaging in peaceful civic protest.
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